Solar Cooling Systems Utilizing Concentrating Solar Collectors - An Overview

The objective of this review article is to draw a picture about a promising solar cooling concept, based on the use of concentrating solar collectors, and to define the aspects that need to be considered in future developments. The following topics are covered: an overview of solar cooling systems utilizing concentrating solar collectors worldwide; the reasons behind the selection of these solar collection technologies for solar cooling applications; a quick assessment of the main performance figures for the different solar cooling schemes based on Monte Carlo simulations; the technical requirements of the technologies for future developments. Air-conditioning and refrigeration facilities driven by concentrating solar collectors are still infrequent and the outcomes of this review clearly present the small but steadily growing market of solar cooling systems coupled with concentrating solar collection technologies.